author
Douglas Fairbanks
1883–1939
A silent-screen superstar with boundless energy, he helped define the swashbuckling movie hero through athletic, charismatic performances in films like The Mark of Zorro, Robin Hood, and The Thief of Bagdad. He was also a major force in early Hollywood behind the scenes, not just in front of the camera.
2 Audiobooks
Laugh and Live
by Douglas Fairbanks
Making Life Worth While
by Douglas Fairbanks
About the author
Born in Denver, Colorado, on May 23, 1883, Douglas Fairbanks began as a stage actor before becoming one of the most popular stars of the silent-film era. His cheerful confidence, physical grace, and love of action made him a natural screen presence, and audiences were drawn to the sense of fun and daring he brought to his roles.
He first found success in light modern comedies, then became famous worldwide for adventure films that turned him into the great swashbuckler of early cinema. Performances in The Mark of Zorro (1920), Robin Hood (1922), and The Thief of Bagdad (1924) showed off the athletic style that became his trademark. He was also a producer and an important early industry figure, helping found United Artists with Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, and D. W. Griffith.
Fairbanks remained one of the defining personalities of classic Hollywood, admired for the optimism and physical excitement he brought to film. He died in Santa Monica, California, on December 12, 1939, but his influence on screen adventure heroes lasted far beyond the silent era.